There are times in life when we have to do something totally opposite to what our “intelligence” tell us to do. Sometimes what is right is exactly what our egos can never imagine is right. Sometimes what our heart tells us to do is the one thing we don’t have the heart to do, but which may be the path to our happiness, nevertheless. This is one of the most difficult things to do in life-following your heart, going against your ego. Going against every road sign that says “Turn Right” when your heart says “Turn Left”!!
I believe that before a soul incarnates in a body, it had already decided what or who it wanted to be. It had a set purpose, a reason for being, a lesson to learn. Sometimes it has a lesson to teach others. Whatever it may be, your soul never forgets. Come what may, whatever the beliefs and conditionings imposed on you by your parents, your teachers, your friends, society, whatever or whoever, what is imprinted on your soul stays there forever. Your ego---mired in the dust and dirt of this world----may forget the path, or obscure your true purpose for being, but your soul will always nudge you in the right direction. You can trust your heart to blindfoldedly lead you exactly where you want to be. Just trust, close your eyes, step where it tells you to step, and open your eyes…you will be where you have to be.
You can call this inner voice by many names-your Higher Self, guardian angel, a Higher Power, a gut feeling, a hunch, intuition…the names are endless, but the essence is the same. This is what some call God, and some call the Soul, but it always knows exactly what you need to know. Trust it.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Thought for the Day (and its mine!)
Only when you love something deeply enough to die for it, will you be able to come alive.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Who made all the difference?
I found this wonderfully thought-provoking article on a website and just had to share it here (Please note, Indian readers can substitute some of the questions with more regionally appropriate ones and take the quiz too!):
Don't bother getting a pen and paper... just read... If you can't answer them, just keep going.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They're the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Now here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. Name three teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worth while.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name six people whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson? The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They're the ones who care.
From www.inspirationpeak.com
Don't bother getting a pen and paper... just read... If you can't answer them, just keep going.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They're the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Now here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. Name three teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worth while.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name six people whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson? The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They're the ones who care.
From www.inspirationpeak.com
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Fate or Karma? Your choice!
This post aims to address an issue that has been tickling my brain cells for quite some time-that of karma versus fatalism. Are people who believe in karma delusional? Are people who believe in fate better able to adjust to the vagaries of life? Is karma just a theory? For that matter, is God just a theory? How do you decide? Does it even matter?
There are a lot of people out there who think that people who believe in karma have no control over their lives and are total wimps. I beg to differ. It takes extraordinary guts to face up to yourself and take responsibility for your life and do something about it, while it is very easy to be a victim and blame everyone and everything else. A person who is afraid of taking responsibility will never be able to digest karma as true!
First off, a definition of both terms.
Karma, according to the tenets of theosophy, is the cosmic principle according to which each person is rewarded or punished in one incarnation according to that person's deeds in the previous incarnation. And fatalism, to take a philosophical definition, is the doctrine that all events are subject to fate or inevitable predetermination.
Now that we are done with the definition given by experts, let’s go on to a more individual level. I believe the real worthiness of any theory, practice, or belief is the value it adds to one’s life. It doesn’t matter if there is no proof; if it works, that’s enough proof! Does it empower you as an individual? Are you able to face life in a confident, responsible, compassionate way because of it? Which one makes you a better human being?
For the adherents of fatalism, they believe that their lives are controlled and guided by a Higher Power, by whatever name you wish to call it, much like a puppet is controlled by the puppet master. So in effect, you really do not have free will. Everything is pre-determined and whatever happens to you, good or bad, could not have been different or changed in any way. You just learn to accept life as it comes. Does this approach empower the individual? Do you feel you have any power in your life? Many a time, I have seen people caught unawares by a setback or tragedy in their lives, who become so embittered and depressed, that they lose faith in God. They rave and rant at God for letting them down (if you have seen the movie Signs, Mel Gibson’s character of the priest-turned-atheist because of his wife’s untimely death, is a classic example). They feel powerless over their future. In effect, they lose faith in themselves, in life, and in God, because it is God they hold responsible for their destiny.
Now, for those who believe in karma, whatever happens in life, good or bad, is a direct consequence of whatever good or bad deeds they have done, either in this life or the previous one(s). Yes, karma need not be restricted to something you have done in your previous incarnation. It can also be instant, it can catch up with you in a matter of days, months, years, doesn’t necessarily have to take lifetimes to balance out the accounts! What does the belief that one will either enjoy or suffer the consequences of one’s actions do for an individual? What if it’s not something you get to enjoy or suffer in the after-life but in this very lifetime or possibly the next? What if heaven and hell is played out in our lives here on earth itself? Of course you would be extremely careful about what you do to whom and why you do it and how you do it. Of course you wouldn’t blame anyone else, least of all God, for any of the tragedies or setbacks in your life. Of course you would make sure that even if you are suffering something now, you are not going to go through that again! It makes you more responsible and empowered. It doesn’t make you curl up into a ball and live out the rest of your life a victim of unseen forces or very much can-be-seen people.
Awareness leads to empowerment. This by itself leads to a complete change in the way you think about what happened to you and could be very liberating. Here, you are not the victim, but the perpetrator, and as such, the strings of this puppet play is in your hands!
While there may not be any conclusive proof that reincarnation does exist, there are circumstantial proofs. For example, if you believe in a God, how can that God be partial and cause some people to be born in the lap of luxury or perfectly healthy or intelligent while others are born into poverty, handicapped, mentally retarded? How do you explain child geniuses? How do you explain the predilection for some to take up the violin like a maestro at the age of 3, or be a math wizard or virtuoso painter, in circumstances where there is nothing in the child’s immediate environment or family that justifies such exceptional talent?
I believe in God and I do not believe that the God I believe in is partial to anyone. I don’t believe in fate. I believe that although there is a Higher Power, It is far too intelligent and loving to make puppets out of us. It guides us, advises us, if we are willing to go within and hear that still small voice that some call intuition, but it never force-feeds or manipulates us. There is such a thing called free will and it is this free will that creates karma. This Power, while never getting in the way of our decisions, is always there. Even when we don’t take that guidance, it is still there to hold our hands and take us through the hell that we have created for ourselves, through to the other side. Karma teaches us, if we are willing to learn, to become better human beings.
The way I see it, karma is pretty democratic!
There are a lot of people out there who think that people who believe in karma have no control over their lives and are total wimps. I beg to differ. It takes extraordinary guts to face up to yourself and take responsibility for your life and do something about it, while it is very easy to be a victim and blame everyone and everything else. A person who is afraid of taking responsibility will never be able to digest karma as true!
First off, a definition of both terms.
Karma, according to the tenets of theosophy, is the cosmic principle according to which each person is rewarded or punished in one incarnation according to that person's deeds in the previous incarnation. And fatalism, to take a philosophical definition, is the doctrine that all events are subject to fate or inevitable predetermination.
Now that we are done with the definition given by experts, let’s go on to a more individual level. I believe the real worthiness of any theory, practice, or belief is the value it adds to one’s life. It doesn’t matter if there is no proof; if it works, that’s enough proof! Does it empower you as an individual? Are you able to face life in a confident, responsible, compassionate way because of it? Which one makes you a better human being?
For the adherents of fatalism, they believe that their lives are controlled and guided by a Higher Power, by whatever name you wish to call it, much like a puppet is controlled by the puppet master. So in effect, you really do not have free will. Everything is pre-determined and whatever happens to you, good or bad, could not have been different or changed in any way. You just learn to accept life as it comes. Does this approach empower the individual? Do you feel you have any power in your life? Many a time, I have seen people caught unawares by a setback or tragedy in their lives, who become so embittered and depressed, that they lose faith in God. They rave and rant at God for letting them down (if you have seen the movie Signs, Mel Gibson’s character of the priest-turned-atheist because of his wife’s untimely death, is a classic example). They feel powerless over their future. In effect, they lose faith in themselves, in life, and in God, because it is God they hold responsible for their destiny.
Now, for those who believe in karma, whatever happens in life, good or bad, is a direct consequence of whatever good or bad deeds they have done, either in this life or the previous one(s). Yes, karma need not be restricted to something you have done in your previous incarnation. It can also be instant, it can catch up with you in a matter of days, months, years, doesn’t necessarily have to take lifetimes to balance out the accounts! What does the belief that one will either enjoy or suffer the consequences of one’s actions do for an individual? What if it’s not something you get to enjoy or suffer in the after-life but in this very lifetime or possibly the next? What if heaven and hell is played out in our lives here on earth itself? Of course you would be extremely careful about what you do to whom and why you do it and how you do it. Of course you wouldn’t blame anyone else, least of all God, for any of the tragedies or setbacks in your life. Of course you would make sure that even if you are suffering something now, you are not going to go through that again! It makes you more responsible and empowered. It doesn’t make you curl up into a ball and live out the rest of your life a victim of unseen forces or very much can-be-seen people.
Awareness leads to empowerment. This by itself leads to a complete change in the way you think about what happened to you and could be very liberating. Here, you are not the victim, but the perpetrator, and as such, the strings of this puppet play is in your hands!
While there may not be any conclusive proof that reincarnation does exist, there are circumstantial proofs. For example, if you believe in a God, how can that God be partial and cause some people to be born in the lap of luxury or perfectly healthy or intelligent while others are born into poverty, handicapped, mentally retarded? How do you explain child geniuses? How do you explain the predilection for some to take up the violin like a maestro at the age of 3, or be a math wizard or virtuoso painter, in circumstances where there is nothing in the child’s immediate environment or family that justifies such exceptional talent?
I believe in God and I do not believe that the God I believe in is partial to anyone. I don’t believe in fate. I believe that although there is a Higher Power, It is far too intelligent and loving to make puppets out of us. It guides us, advises us, if we are willing to go within and hear that still small voice that some call intuition, but it never force-feeds or manipulates us. There is such a thing called free will and it is this free will that creates karma. This Power, while never getting in the way of our decisions, is always there. Even when we don’t take that guidance, it is still there to hold our hands and take us through the hell that we have created for ourselves, through to the other side. Karma teaches us, if we are willing to learn, to become better human beings.
The way I see it, karma is pretty democratic!
Saturday, September 10, 2005
The Brighter Side
Ever heard of the notion of a third-world country inside a first-world country? For all of you out there who dream The Great American Dream, reality could be very different, as is evident from reports coming in of the people affected by Katrina, in the United States. Is the grass really greener on the other side or should we just try to make our patch of grass as green?
They say there is no better antidote to depression than thinking of someone worse off than you. Well, here I was today, sinking into the pits of despair in all its glory, pondering over my future and assorted items on my list of "Things To Think About", when I decided to take some time out to put things into perspective. First, as usual, I decided to do a little meditation to get in touch with my "inner self", that self which always seems wiser, bolder, and smarter than my "outer self", but unfortunately for me, seems to go into hiding most of the time. The only time I can summon her up is at times like this when I face a dead-end and am forced to send an SOS to her. At the end of my brief tit-a-tat, she told me that I would be doing myself a big favor if, instead of focussing on what was lacking in my life, I focussed instead on all the blessings I have. Simple advice. The plus points rather than the minus points. Well, I started doing that and the lightness I felt in my spirit was as real as the despair I had felt before! Not only was this advice simple, it sure was effective! While it didn't solve my problems, it definitely gave me a different attitude, one that helps me think of my life in a different angle, and hopefully be able to come up with the right solution! If everyone got in touch with their "inner selves", a lot of psychiatrists would be out of business...
As I was saying before, sometimes to put things into perspective, it helps to compare our lot with that of others, and a big believer in synchronicity that I am, I don't think its a coincidence that I came across this post on a website called "Whatever" by writer John Scalzi. The URL is http://www.scalzi.com/whatever/003704.html. It's food for thought, and coming out of the US, even more to munch upon!
They say there is no better antidote to depression than thinking of someone worse off than you. Well, here I was today, sinking into the pits of despair in all its glory, pondering over my future and assorted items on my list of "Things To Think About", when I decided to take some time out to put things into perspective. First, as usual, I decided to do a little meditation to get in touch with my "inner self", that self which always seems wiser, bolder, and smarter than my "outer self", but unfortunately for me, seems to go into hiding most of the time. The only time I can summon her up is at times like this when I face a dead-end and am forced to send an SOS to her. At the end of my brief tit-a-tat, she told me that I would be doing myself a big favor if, instead of focussing on what was lacking in my life, I focussed instead on all the blessings I have. Simple advice. The plus points rather than the minus points. Well, I started doing that and the lightness I felt in my spirit was as real as the despair I had felt before! Not only was this advice simple, it sure was effective! While it didn't solve my problems, it definitely gave me a different attitude, one that helps me think of my life in a different angle, and hopefully be able to come up with the right solution! If everyone got in touch with their "inner selves", a lot of psychiatrists would be out of business...
As I was saying before, sometimes to put things into perspective, it helps to compare our lot with that of others, and a big believer in synchronicity that I am, I don't think its a coincidence that I came across this post on a website called "Whatever" by writer John Scalzi. The URL is http://www.scalzi.com/whatever/003704.html. It's food for thought, and coming out of the US, even more to munch upon!
Monday, September 05, 2005
Katrina...the Deadly Lady!
Katrina.. what a pretty name for such a terrible monster! Almost all of you with a TV would no doubt have seen the heart-wrenching pictures of people stranded and dying and suffering and dead and lost and crying in the aftermath of Katrina. There are those who sympathize and there are those who believe America got what she deserved with all her self-righteousness and "I'm a super-power" arrogance. Whatever it maybe, Mother Nature's revenge or the Karma Balancer or just a freak of nature, these people are people like you and me and deserve all our support and help... we may not be able to do much, but we can send a prayer for them. Imagine my shock when I heard the news (NDTV) that Bangladesh (of all countries!) has contributed ONE MILLION US DOLLARS to help Katrina victims! God, I had to hang my head in shame! And I do hope the rulers and movers and shakers of America bow their head in humility...I also heard that the US has said a polite "No, thank you" to aid from other countries. Don't know if this is true, but if it is, just goes to show that a leopard can't change its spots! Well, I'd better end my tirade here before it gets out of hand.
If you'd like to read an alternative view on what could have been done differently in this scenario, read the post titled "When the Levee breaks...in the blog at: http://dakej.blogspot.com. This, although pretty strongly-worded, is very sensible and worth a read.
Have you kissed life lately?
If only...
If only all of us could live with the kind of passion for life that the Sufi mystic poet I've quoted below felt, before it gets too late and we're sailing towards the sunset of our lives...
"One regret, dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough." –Hafiz
So? Come on, throw yourself into life headlong!
Don't wait and don't waste!
If only all of us could live with the kind of passion for life that the Sufi mystic poet I've quoted below felt, before it gets too late and we're sailing towards the sunset of our lives...
"One regret, dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough." –Hafiz
So? Come on, throw yourself into life headlong!
Don't wait and don't waste!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
She's Mine. Or Am I Hers?
The Goddess
Throughout history, humanity has perceived a Higher Power mostly in the masculine form-as a God. In Greek, Hindu, and Egyptian cultures, this power has also been interpreted to be feminine-as a Goddess. Although it may not be necessary to even picture this power in any form, in my mind, I have often felt this essence in the feminine spirit. Maybe it made me feel empowered, more comfortable in my body, more proud of being a woman, more in touch with my feminine side. Sometimes delicate, sometimes wild, just like her! Whatever the reason, I was inspired to write this poem just for her:
Called At Last
Here I am,
The Goddess and Me,
Hand in hand
One flame, one word.
Free.
Free as the wind
To walk the earth
Fearless as the moon
To love the night
Free as the stars
To shine as bright
And be who She called me to be!
Throughout history, humanity has perceived a Higher Power mostly in the masculine form-as a God. In Greek, Hindu, and Egyptian cultures, this power has also been interpreted to be feminine-as a Goddess. Although it may not be necessary to even picture this power in any form, in my mind, I have often felt this essence in the feminine spirit. Maybe it made me feel empowered, more comfortable in my body, more proud of being a woman, more in touch with my feminine side. Sometimes delicate, sometimes wild, just like her! Whatever the reason, I was inspired to write this poem just for her:
Called At Last
Here I am,
The Goddess and Me,
Hand in hand
One flame, one word.
Free.
Free as the wind
To walk the earth
Fearless as the moon
To love the night
Free as the stars
To shine as bright
And be who She called me to be!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Bajaj Avenger-Biking to Nirvana-Hulk of the Month!
The Biker
From the mystical to the material…This post has to do with something very down-to-earth. A bike commercial.
Bajaj is a name that is synonymous with advertising which hits right home. Ask an average Indian about Bajaj bikes, and I bet the old ad jingle “Hamara Bajaj…” will start playing in his head! Not only was the music for these ads catchy, the visuals were also appealing and heartwarming. Somehow they managed to capture the ethos of the Indian spirit. Bajaj (and their advertising agency) has now gone and done it again, with their new Bajaj Avenger advertisement. If there was one word that could sum up the ad, it’s a big “Wow!”. Now what’s so special about this ad? From the female point of view, the best part would be the guy on the bike, of course! He's so cool he could freeze an eskimo! Then of course, the music has to be the creation of a genius! Just the right one to reflect the bindaas attitude of the biker and the personality of the bike. Then come the visuals, which capture beautifully the vistas of Leh (or so it appears). The magnificent mountains form the perfect backdrop for what seems to be a journey to celebrate hard-won contentment…The black and white scenes interspersed in between show scenes from the biker’s life, pivotal scenes that may have been turning points, from his father lashing out at him, to his boss firing him, his girlfriend marrying someone else, etc. etc. I was curious as to why this advertisement hit the right chord in so many people’s hearts, and a comment from one of my friends put things into perspective-that these events, which would be painful for anyone, are things which could happen in anyone’s life…so it’s something that anybody could relate to. Bingo! What I liked was the advertisement implying that in spite of all these depressing events, getting on the bike and riding it was enough to make you forget and forgive all that happened to you - it felt like heaven! Feel like God! Perfect tagline! The expressions on the biker’s face are a class act, what with the whole attitude and personality of the bike reflecting perfectly on his face with every smile, snicker, and raise of an eyebrow. I don’t know what kind of feeling you get when actually riding this bike, (that's for you guys to decide), but I do know what the advertisement evokes in me- a feeling of boldness, an attitude of confidence, the belief that whatever Life throws your way, it can be melded into your character to make you stronger, better, and happier (and in the case of this biker, must say, definitely great-looking!). The advertising agency that created this deserves to ride the red carpet (on what else but an Avenger!) at every advertising award this year.
So who’s the flavor of the month, all this month, on Mystic Altar? The Bajaj Avenger bike….nope, the Bajaj Avenger biker! Because the essence and spirit of the bike was brought alive by this man in a way that is totally stylish! Whoever you are, you rock!
From the mystical to the material…This post has to do with something very down-to-earth. A bike commercial.
Bajaj is a name that is synonymous with advertising which hits right home. Ask an average Indian about Bajaj bikes, and I bet the old ad jingle “Hamara Bajaj…” will start playing in his head! Not only was the music for these ads catchy, the visuals were also appealing and heartwarming. Somehow they managed to capture the ethos of the Indian spirit. Bajaj (and their advertising agency) has now gone and done it again, with their new Bajaj Avenger advertisement. If there was one word that could sum up the ad, it’s a big “Wow!”. Now what’s so special about this ad? From the female point of view, the best part would be the guy on the bike, of course! He's so cool he could freeze an eskimo! Then of course, the music has to be the creation of a genius! Just the right one to reflect the bindaas attitude of the biker and the personality of the bike. Then come the visuals, which capture beautifully the vistas of Leh (or so it appears). The magnificent mountains form the perfect backdrop for what seems to be a journey to celebrate hard-won contentment…The black and white scenes interspersed in between show scenes from the biker’s life, pivotal scenes that may have been turning points, from his father lashing out at him, to his boss firing him, his girlfriend marrying someone else, etc. etc. I was curious as to why this advertisement hit the right chord in so many people’s hearts, and a comment from one of my friends put things into perspective-that these events, which would be painful for anyone, are things which could happen in anyone’s life…so it’s something that anybody could relate to. Bingo! What I liked was the advertisement implying that in spite of all these depressing events, getting on the bike and riding it was enough to make you forget and forgive all that happened to you - it felt like heaven! Feel like God! Perfect tagline! The expressions on the biker’s face are a class act, what with the whole attitude and personality of the bike reflecting perfectly on his face with every smile, snicker, and raise of an eyebrow. I don’t know what kind of feeling you get when actually riding this bike, (that's for you guys to decide), but I do know what the advertisement evokes in me- a feeling of boldness, an attitude of confidence, the belief that whatever Life throws your way, it can be melded into your character to make you stronger, better, and happier (and in the case of this biker, must say, definitely great-looking!). The advertising agency that created this deserves to ride the red carpet (on what else but an Avenger!) at every advertising award this year.
So who’s the flavor of the month, all this month, on Mystic Altar? The Bajaj Avenger bike….nope, the Bajaj Avenger biker! Because the essence and spirit of the bike was brought alive by this man in a way that is totally stylish! Whoever you are, you rock!
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Of Movies, Music, and Spirit
If there was one movie I could make everyone on this planet see, which would it be? If there was one movie I wish I had the heart, ingenuity, creativity, and talent to have written and directed, which would it be? Which is the one movie I feel has that perfect combination of memorable characters, an unforgettable story, inspiring values, a background score that fits the movie perfectly, and wonderful music by a great musician?
Suspense over...It’s “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”, a full-length animation film about a horse! Haven’t you heard the song, “Here I am” by Bryan Adams? Well that melodious track belongs here. This is one movie that will tug at your heart strings and set your brain cells ticking. At least, it did it for me.
This mustang is no ordinary horse. Born and let loose onto the big screen straight from the stables of the legendary DreamWorks Studios, he galloped into the Oscars with 14 nominations and 8 wins, and with Hans Zimmer for a music director and Bryan Adams writing and singing, you have a volatile combination. The animation in this movie, with such endearing expressions on the characters, makes you forget that these characters are not real, they’re drawn by human hands and computerized!
The theme that runs throughout the movie is one which I have written about before-freedom. The loss of freedom, the return to freedom. As such, this movie could fall into the category of movies like Born Free and Free Willy. This mustang’s story even reminds me of the real story, published in Reader’s Digest, about the African boy who was enslaved as a kid and escaped as an adult, risking his life, but with his spirit unbroken. To draw a parallel between the movie and real life, there are stories and stories of how humans have taken away the basic rights of other humans, right from the Nazi treatment of the Jews, to what happened recently in Sudan’s Darfur region. What about Rwanda? What about apartheid in South Africa? And what about how our very own countrymen were under British rule for over 150 years? Africans taken as slaves in America? Even men or women abused by their spouses, children abused by elders…Every time a nation, individual, or a group of people harbor the illusion that they are superior than another, that the other is created for the sole purpose of their own selfish needs, then we see freedom stripped off people, when it should be a basic given human right.
Under such circumstances, there are those who fall under the iron hand, whose backs are broken and spirits defeated. Those who give up the fight and don’t strike back. And then there are those who refuse to be beaten. Those whose souls are so resilient that nothing and noone can make them forget their true power. These are the individuals who bring the world back to its senses. That’s why I liked this mustang character so much! Whatever happened, through all the humiliation and browbeating and starvation, he refused to let anyone ride him! He remained free in his life, because he was free in spirit. That boldness and belief in himself is a value that I hope everyone remembers they have. If there was one quality I'd like future generations to imbibe, it would be that: boldness of spirit!
The songs by Bryan Adams in this movie fits the character and storyline so well that it’s difficult to imagine something better.. The song “Get off my back”, “Here I am”, and “I will always return” are my favorites. Not only are the lyrics true to the spirit of the movie, Bryan Adam’s raw vocals add an extra punch to the words that make you want to go out and buy the album at once!
If you’re reading this now, and you don’t have access to the CD/DVD or album, one good place to start would be the website- http://www.dreamworks.com/spirit. Visit it and do watch the movie. If you have kids, make sure they watch it too!
Life, Love, and Lulu
The snapshot above is of my dog, Lulu. Now, I just winced when I wrote that sentence. The words “my dog” seem to be winking at me and striking my conscience. Because she’s not just a dog to me. And because somehow, in the minds of people who have never been blessed to share their lives and homes with a dog, the word “dog” brings up images and connotations that a dog is somehow inferior to a human being. That dogs don’t think, can’t feel, and are just put on earth either to help you hunt, guard your home, or as a status symbol in society, in the case of high-priced pedigreed dogs.
In my experience with Lulu, I am ashamed to admit that she has given me far more than I have given her. What have I given her? Food, a warm shelter, maybe a hug here or a hug there. And what has she given me in return? That one special look in her large black limpid eyes that tell me of a love and adoration that I have not seen in any two-legged creature before and maybe not ever! A tail that wags so vigorously when I get back home even if it’s after just 5 minutes of going out, that I fear it would break apart any instant! Wet, slippery kisses on my nose when I’m down in the dumps and sobbing my heart out for some reason or the other, when nobody else sees, and nobody else seems to care. A warm body that snuggles up to me at night (yes, she shares my bed!) and shares my nightmares, my dreams, my insomnia, my dead-to-the-world sleep. A love that is so restless when I’m not around that it doesn’t sleep, drink, or eat until I get back home.
So, is she just a “dog”? Or my friend? Or my soul-mate? After all, soulmates can come in all shapes and sizes. Many a time, I have felt that Lulu is an angel sent from up above, a sort of earthing conductor (like a lightening rod!) who drains away all the bad vibes and unhealthy energy dynamics that are there in my family, as there would be in any family. Because of her, fights between family members whimper out, a smile breaks out on the most hardened, sulky, argument-weathered face, and all is well with the world again! In a place where love is supposed to be assumed and not shown, where physical demonstrations of love are a no-no (typical indian family), I don’t know what I would have done without Lulu. She is a safe conduit for me to shower all the love and affection hidden inside my heart, which I cannot show anywhere else. If I didn’t have her to pour out my affection, with all my hugs and kisses, then all that energy would have stood still inside my heart and I would have ended up like a stagnant body of energy, nowhere to go, still and deep, but not flowing anywhere…That’s why I feel she is such a God-send to me and to my family. She has changed the dynamics of how we interact with each other. She has even made me re-think my eating habits. When before I could eat meat without a flicker of guilt, now when I look into the eyes of an animal that is being led to the slaughter, I think of Lulu’s eyes, and I cannot eat it….So many changes in me and in my family, that too because of a creature that cannot even talk! I have learnt to be patient, to be forgiving, to be affectionate, all just by being in her presence. Learning to love by just being with Love.
I have seen many people crusading around trying to change others, change the world, make it a better place, but in Lulu, I finally found the key to making the world a better place.. there is no need to go around teaching and preaching and fighting.. if you want to see a change in the world, in other people, all you have to do is be that change yourself. Bring that change into your essence. Be it. Live it. Embrace it. Be an example. If you want to dispel the darkness, be the light, rather than just hold a torch that beams the light. Be what you want others to be. Just the act of being will attract others to you, make them think, make them want to change, and change them without them even knowing it! And all this I have learnt from the dark limpid eyes of an intense lil’ soul that came into my life in the form of a dog and whom we named Lulu! This one is for you, girl!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Quotes-Marianne Willamson, Eliot, Gandhi, Cervante, et.al
The world abounds with quotes, and it seems anyone who knows how to string words together has a quote attributed to him/her. However, the ones that have struck me, inspired me, and motivated me are a handful and I'd like to re-quote them here, in hopes that if there is someone out there in need of an inspirational pick-me-up, it could be found here. So here goes:
"I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be "happy". I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honorable, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all." Leo C. Rosten
"It's never too late to be what you might have been."-George Eliot
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people that have come alive." — Harold Thurman Whitman
"Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn."-Miguel de Cervantes
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves:
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?"
— Marianne Williamson, as quoted by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech
“Be the change you wish to see for the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are"-e.e. cummings
"Do not try to deny or override your divine discontent. Heed its call; capture the wave and ride it home."
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."-Dr. Seuss
"I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be "happy". I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honorable, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all." Leo C. Rosten
"It's never too late to be what you might have been."-George Eliot
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people that have come alive." — Harold Thurman Whitman
"Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn."-Miguel de Cervantes
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves:
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?"
— Marianne Williamson, as quoted by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech
“Be the change you wish to see for the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are"-e.e. cummings
"Do not try to deny or override your divine discontent. Heed its call; capture the wave and ride it home."
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."-Dr. Seuss
Born free to live free
Seeing the movie Born Free and later, reading a story about an African boy who escaped from slavery, made me think long and hard about certain things which I took for granted, like freedom...What I felt first was outrage, and these words are born from that sense of mad anger that such things happen even now...I believe that no spirit is born to be captive. Every spirit, whatever form it takes, is born free and meant to be free. Nobody has the right to break the spirit of another, whether it is an animal, a human, or a plant. We see broken spirits all around us, in the eyes of children neglected or abused by parents, relatives, friends, in the eyes of animals wasting away their power and beauty in rotten rusting cages in zoos, in circuses, in the eyes of birds held captive, in the eyes of animals being held and brutalized and tormented for research purposes, in the presence of plants stifled and stapled for "aesthetic" purposes, giants dwarfed in the name of "Bonsai"... Noone should have to live like this.. half a spirit...Live in the full glory of who you truly are.. Celebrate yourself! And don't let anyone break you down!
Do you know the value of freedom?
The most important value in life, for me, is my freedom. The freedom to be myself, the freedom to make choices based on my value system. What is life without the freedom of choice? Without the freedom to think, to just be? That is something we take for granted and think we have, but on introspection, I realize that very few of us can lay claim to freedom of the soul. We may be free in all other respects, but there is always something or someone that holds us back from being ourselves, from living our lives the way we truly want.. it may be social conditioning, it may even be our parents, spouses, children, loans, the government, the list goes on...Of course, with great freedom comes great responsibility, and for argument's sake, it could be said that it would be detrimental to society if everybody does as they wished...but I'm not talking about "Great" freedom here, just "Basic" freedom...What made me think about this was an article in the Reader's Digest-the condensed book section-about an African boy who was kidnapped and taken as a slave at the age of 7, and remained so for a decade or so, and later escaped to the United States and is now an active crusader for abolition of slavery, which is still rampant in parts of Africa. His story is truly heart wrenching...I felt outraged that in this day and age, this could still happen...the other time I felt this outraged was when I read about female genital mutilation (FGM), but that would have to be the topic of another post...
Poetry at its finest
This is a a poem by "Oriah". Although I have read many a poem in my lifetime, this one touched my soul. Since it's quite a long poem, I've decided to retain here only those verses that really sang to my heart...
The Invitation
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dreams
for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand on the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
"Yes."
It doesn't interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
It doesn't interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the center of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.
The Invitation
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dreams
for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand on the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
"Yes."
It doesn't interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
It doesn't interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the center of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.
A swami with loads of attitude!
If I could institute an award for the best blogger, it would go to Jesse Kornbluth, also known as Swami Uptown. You can find him on beliefnet.com, under "blogs". This is one person who does not mince words, is honest, upfront, bold, and smart...A good read and a good way to sharpen your wits and thinking...
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
These are a few of my favorite sites...
For the betterment of humankind, I've decided to include here a compilation of some of the places I love to visit on the net...some of these sites have taught me a lot, some have made me think, made me laugh, made me wonder, made me cry, and made me rethink! Could happen to you too.. check these out!
www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind (Know Thyself better.. knowledge is Power)
http://earth.google.com (will redefine the term armchair traveller...stupendous technology! A must-see!)
www.soulfulliving.com (Gourmet cuisine for the soul)
www.theintrovertzcoach.com (all the gyaan for shy and not-so-shy introverts)
www.culturalcreatives.org (want to be a new wave of earthlings or are you one already?)
www.educationonlineforcomputers.com (a wonderful, free computer tutorial site)
www.churchofreality.org (don't go here if you don't want to start thinking!)
www.beliefnet.com (from religion to politics.. its all here!)
www.humanmetrics.com (a must-do!)
www.askalana.com (for all the answers you had inside of you but forgot you knew!)
www.poetsindia.com (finally, a place to express and publish yourself free!)
www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind (Know Thyself better.. knowledge is Power)
http://earth.google.com (will redefine the term armchair traveller...stupendous technology! A must-see!)
www.soulfulliving.com (Gourmet cuisine for the soul)
www.theintrovertzcoach.com (all the gyaan for shy and not-so-shy introverts)
www.culturalcreatives.org (want to be a new wave of earthlings or are you one already?)
www.educationonlineforcomputers.com (a wonderful, free computer tutorial site)
www.churchofreality.org (don't go here if you don't want to start thinking!)
www.beliefnet.com (from religion to politics.. its all here!)
www.humanmetrics.com (a must-do!)
www.askalana.com (for all the answers you had inside of you but forgot you knew!)
www.poetsindia.com (finally, a place to express and publish yourself free!)
Hail the Net!
I feel like offering a lil prayer of gratitude to the Gods and Goddesses of the Internet…What would we do without the net? All my life, I’ve felt kind of weird because of my thoughts, views and ideas, from the more mundane things to the more heavyweight stuff. Once I got onto the “web”, though, all of that changed. I’ve found out that I’m really not weird, just different, but so is everyone else, and there are others like me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)